I am going in to business for my self in January 04 my favorite name is A to Z Home Improvement
My dad owns Jung Construction Inc.
http://www.jungconstruction.com
I live in Aberdeen South Dakota
I want to focus on trim work, additions, and remodeling
any other ideas on names would be great thanks all!!
Obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes from the goal!
Replies
Good luck to you in you enterprise. However, A to Z suggests you do everything, while you say that you will specialize in a few things. You're gonna get asked a million times, "Do you do . . .?" and you'll have to say, "Well, no, I specialize in . . ."
IMHO
"A" is for attic, but what starts with a "Z"? Zoffits?
Call it "The your-name-here Group", or "Your-name-here Associates". Licensed in 3 states and wanted in 10.
Blues_hound,
When I was working on the same problem, the one piece of advise I heard over and over was:
Put your name in the company name. People want to know you are willing to be associated with your own company.
And that is why my company operates as Rich Beckman's Home Solutions as opposed to simply Home Solutions.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
I've always like "Three Stooges Carpentry".
just to complicate things ...
a generic name ... like Home Solutions .... no Rich B's ...
is what those in the know would tell ya to use if you ever had plans to sell the company.
'course keep in mind this coming from a guy that calls his "Buck Const" .....
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
"a generic name ... like Home Solutions .... no Rich B's ...
is what those in the know would tell ya to use if you ever had plans to sell the company."
Well, that is part of the reason that I went with Rich Beckman's Home Solutions. If the million to one odds come home and I end up with a viable sellable business, then when the time comes I simply start calling it Home Solutions. Then the buyer starts calling it John Doe's Home Solutions. As long as the buyer's name isn't too long, the logo should be able to accomodate the change.
"I do kind of like Shane Jung's Home Solutions"
That's fine by me.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
I wonder if "Two Guys Who Like to Drink Beer and Paint Houses, LLC" are still in business?
Knew a guy who worked under the name "Wannabe construction" and another one who went by "G.E. Construction" when asked what G.E. Stood for, he replied "Good Enough"...not someone I want working on my place, either way, both are out of business now :) One electrical contractor here was named "Traflo Electric" (Spell Traflo backwards :) He was a nice old guy who did good work but unfortunately passed away a few years ago.
How about "Bent Nails Unlimited".... We don't do good work but we sure are slow>
"How about "Bent Nails Unlimited".... We don't do good work but we sure are slow"
Obviously you are familier with my work. But no need to let everyone else in on the details.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
Blues Carpentry
Aberdeen Trim & Carpentry
Jung Trim & Carpentry
Do it right, or do it twice.
What? No one said "Jung-Ho" Construction.
Can't use Jung Construction that one is currently in use by my Old man.
I do kind of like Shane Jung's Home Solutions
maybe in a text that looks like a bunch of boards togetherObstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes from the goal!
Younger Jung's Construction?
Jung's Younger Son's Construction?
No need to thank me.
Ye Old Jung Construction
"Generations of fine work"
Be well
andyMy life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
I like it Andy, but that should be the dad's company. The kid's should be "Fine Jung Things."
cloud
I think we're getting warmer.My life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
I not a big fan of using your own name in company name for a number of reasons. Number one it can be a real obstacle to growth. The problem with a company name like John Doe Stairs & Millwork the people start to think and then expect that John Doe is the one who is going to be doing most if not all of the work on their particular project. If you want to grow your company your stuck in a bind because you can't be everywhere at once pleasing every single client hands on without burning yourself out.
I'm in Bob's camp where where he said "Call it "The your-name-here Group", or "Your-name-here Associates"." I very intentionally named my company Paradigm Associates, Ltd with that reasoning in mind and it has paid off. We're really known now more as ParadigmProjects which is our domain name which brings to mind another consideration you my want to think about. What's your domain name going to be?
No offense intended blues hound but I hate the name A to Z Home Improvement especially when you come back and say you "want to focus on trim work, additions, and remodeling". On the other hand I like your screen name here and I think a variation on it like Blue Dog Associates, Ltd or Blue Dog Construction or Blue Dog Home Solutions! I can think of some good logo designs around that too. I wouldn't use "blues hound" since it has such a musically oriented connotation.
Blue Dog Group is also an interesting possiblility in that some people while think they have heard of it before somewhere which helps from a branding perspective but then again some people (at least here in New York) will recognize that name sounds a lot like Blue MAN Group.
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Edited 10/25/2003 6:50:48 PM ET by Jerrald Hayes
Thank you very much you bring up some very interesting points I Will take your advice seriously thanks again!
Obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes from the goal!
I was trying to come up with something that uses the word "trim" in it. Something like "trim runners" or "running trim". Or how about "Basically trim"?
If you had a partner named Slim, I suppose you could call it "Slim and Trim Const." or something like that.
.
If I ever own a truss company, I'm gonna call it "Quick Sag Roof Trusses".
Our motto would be "We stand behind our trusses - Not under 'em".I don't have any solution, but I certainly admire the problem. [Ashleigh Brilliant]
Ron
If you said "we do trim" here in NY, they might think you were looking for sex....Spose that term is a NY thang : )~My life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Maybe "Trim Chaser" ???
I Like!
Well everyone after a long exhausting search and many posts i have decided to open my business called
Blue Dog Home Solutions
"Teaching Old Homes New Tricks"
I toyed with the idea Blue Dog Home Solutions "has the Blue Dog left his mark on your home, but it turns out that it sounds like a dog urinating on your house so it was trashed.
Sometime after the first of the year I will be opening
Blue Dog Home Solutions
"Teaching Old Homes New Tricks"
Kudos to thoose of you who put in your 2 cents and shaped the name of my future businsess!
Is any body else attending the International Home Builders Show in Las Vegas. http://www.buildersshow.com/ I will be attending again this year. Last year the diversity of the exhibitors was amazing.Obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes from the goal!
Wow,..." Teaching Old Homes New Tricks" I think that's brillant. There's a plumber in CT not to far from me called the Drain Surgeon. I thought that was masterfull too. Yeah I like that....
Blue Dog Home Solutions
"
Teaching Old Homes New Tricks"
I think you're off to a really great start with your marketing.
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I have a vested interest in my plumbers company called THE PIPE DOCTOR.
ANDYSZ2I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Very good, says it all. Witty, funny but not too unserious. Good luck from Germany. Mathias http://www.raulfcarpenters.com
while we're at it...
please define .....
Paradigm .....
as you see it applying to your company name...
the reason ... I say a rusted out company van here in Pgh with the same/similar logo ...
and thought that'd probaby just about drive ya nuts if U saw him driving around!
I know it's not you ....
but still caught my eye .........
btw .....this weekend may be the download weekend!
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
From the company home page:
View Imagepar·a·digm pronunciation Key
View ImageAn example, a pattern; especially : an outstandingly clear or typical example or archetype
View Image A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them
As far as my company was concerned it was about the patterns of work or methods of work that the company was going to do things. It all about developing systems for doing things. We did different things and we did things differently than other contractors would. The partner I started with and I came from the theatrical trades, as some people know, and we most of of early projects were themed environments so in addition to the literal interpretation and implications the word had it also had a "theatrical" feel and flavor to it especially when you pronounced it Para-dim.
As you know I'm know even more interested in developing systems for doing things related to construction. "btw .....this weekend may be the download weekend!" Sometime late Monday night I'll be uploading the latest new version of that Trade Contractor Estimating solution so be sure to check back then.
"I say a rusted out company van here in Pgh with the same/similar logo ...
and thought that'd probaby just about drive ya nuts if U saw him driving around!"
Logo or name? I'm actually considering trademarking the logo. A few years ago when my web site wasn't a developed as it is now I actually discovered a contractor who had stolen all the site HTML and used everything from it only changing the company name and a few photographs. That had me pretty annoyed at the time.
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not the logo ...
just used the word "paradigm" in his company name.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
I believe that a good company name should include two things- one, the founder's name and two, a brief description of the business. Ford Motor Co would be an excellent example.
John
Examples of BAD names
Fly by night construction
Cornholer construction
Have Hammer will travel
Doing it twice means twice as good construction
drooling construction (Hire the handicaped cause they are fun to watch)
blind in one eye can't see out da udder construction
Osama Construction
Jihad contractors
napalm in the morning construction
Pot smokin hippies General contractors
Obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes from the goal!
you forgot:
drunk by noon construction
Not in all industries. In the technology industry, techy names have worked better than personal names--Intel, Oracle, Microsoft, etc--customers care less about the founder than the technical capabilities. But in construction, I think it's the other way, and yes, being able to trust an individual who represents the company carries a lot of weight.
In the construction field , they is alot of fly by night outfits. The gypsy asphalt summer homes are up the road. I,m are scare of names like Happy Improvements or names that do not reflect the business or owner. I like names like Ricky Jones Roofing. A to Z construction sound like a name to get first in the phone book AAAA, Acme, Ace I usually just skip.
Hmmmm. Suppose the name D E L L has hindered that little biz?
Back to the original question: A couple of the guys around here use the term "housewright" or "woodwright" in their name - implies craftsmanship. Or how about "Jungle Craftsmen"?
We can play the exception game all day long. Think I can't find successful builders not named after themselves? Actually, with Jung Construction, my first thought was of the psychologist...
touche. point taken
I used my name in my company's name -- I work for David Wall Enterprises. What's more, I provide computer consulting services. The idea being, people would rather work with a guy than with OrboComm, or MegaTronic Global, or Xeris Systems, or whatever.
Does it work? I haven't starved yet, after seven years. Anything's possible, though.
The possible problem is that I sound like a one-man band. But that didn't stop Arthur Andersen (something else did).
However, when I become good enough at custom woodwork (my hobby) to take it commercial, I'll be able to use the same corporate structure! Clever, or what?
Best,
Dave
Ahhh, the exception that proves the rule. (Don't even know what that means, but it sounds like it should mean something.)
I think Jerrald has given you some excellent advice.
As far as naming after yourself: Don't do it, but DO PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR BUSINESS CARD!
I automatically pitch all business cards that don't give the person's name who gave my the card. I recently had a guy pitch me for some business. He handed me his card. Seemed like a decent guy. I asked him to write his name the card so I'd remember him and he simply wrote "Tyler". Gives me the idea that he doesn't want to be found ie might run off if there's a problem.
In general a short name is better than a long name.
Take at lest as much care in choosing your logo. Many people will remember your logo more easily than your company name. A good logo will actually help people remember your name.
On the lighter side, just have to add my favorite quote from Carl Jung: "I'm glad I'm Jung and not a Jungian."
Good luck Blue Dog!
Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.
Hasbeen that is a really great point you make about "DO PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR BUSINESS CARD!" and how it helps you relate to potential clients:
I'm really the same way too plus I find having both a first and last name also helps me remember just who the person is. While "Tyler" isn't such a bad name what I really hate is when people call and leave messages saying "Mike" called. I probably have 12 close friends named Mike, I have two sometimes three "Mikes" that work for me, and couple of companies I work with are "Miked" or have "Miked" employees. Geezz Mike who I want know!
And that reminds me since this is the age of computers one of the first things I do when I start a new hire is print up two pages of (10 on a page) of our business card customized with their name on it and a position or title I think might be appropriate. And those are generally not the typical titles you might normally think of either although sometimes they might be. My title or the title I've been using recently is "Primus Inter Pares" but what that means and why I'm using it is perhaps a whole other discussion altogether.
I then print those cards up on glossy paper and then using spray contact cement I bond them to some heavier 24lb stock and cut them apart. Giving those to a new hire on their first day on the job really helps make them feel included and get them started on their way to becoming art of the team. In the next few months I hope I'm going to be doing something new that originally evolved from that thinking so I'll have to check back in with you all then and report on how that works out too.
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Since we're on a related topic: I also hate it when businesses answer the phone and don't say the name of the person answering! I'm not calling to play a bleepin guessing game! (It's been a long day on a skid loader. Maybe it's the margarita that prompts me to say that!)
Not sure what your title means, but reminds me of a sign in my favorite liquor store:
Illegitimus non tatum carborundum.
(Don't let the bastards wear you down.) ; )Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.
That's great I'll add it to my list. How about these:
Non calor sed umor est qui nobis incommodat.
It's not the heat, it's the humidity.
or
Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt.
When catapults are outlawed, only outlaws will have catapults.
or
Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione.
I'm not interested in your dopey religious cult.
or
Hocine bibo aut in eum digitos insero?
Do I drink this or stick my fingers in it?
Somehwere I have a whole bunch more of those that I picked up off the web. You might want to check out these Shakespearean Insults that are great too.
Primus Inter Pares means First Among Equals I picked that one up reading First Among Equals; How to Manage a Group of Professionals by Patrick J. McKenna & David Maister . One of the best and most valualble books I've read in the last two years
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A real one by Horaz: Climan, non animum, mutant, qui trans mare currunt.
The weather, not the mind, changes, for the one going over the sea.
Those were good. I also enjoyed the Surrealist Compliment Generator link on the insult page!Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.
I am leaning toward Blue Dog Home solutions with a blue dog standing up wearing a pair of blues brothers shades and he is pointing over his shoulder at a bill board advertising my name and services I provideObstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes from the goal!
Sounds very good to me! Please post a picture when you have one!Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.
Just a point to keep in mind:
Here in Ohio you have to register your company name with the state, unless you use your full name in it. It has to be renewed every five years for a small fee."Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."
Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio
Jung Dog Home Improvements - New tricks for old spaces
Jung Again - Renewing Dated Spaces
You might like the quote in my profileKevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -
Jung Dog Home Improvements - New tricks for old spaces
Nice one with all the good advice i almost wonder if i should be payin everybody heh heh :)Obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes from the goal!
Naw, were free... and almost worth it sometimes. :-)>
Just pass it along to the next guy when you get a chance. That's what this forum is all about.Kevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -
Completely off topic (what? here in Breaktime?) - Baby got Back in Latin:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/quislibet/164084.html
That's pretty funny. Now I'd like to hear that in latin to the music.
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Perdi Me Telefono; Me Das El Tuyo? (sorry about syntax)
Roughly: I lost my telephone no. May I have yours?
Blues hound, a view from Germany. My company is called: Raulf Carpenters. So my last name Raulf (right, it could be an obstacle for growth...but I don´t want to go beyond what I got anyways) and the english word carpenters.
This keeps everybody busy: The suppliers, anybody around here...They have the name to be spelled a few times before they got it right. This surprisingly lets the name and concept really sink in the ROM of their brains. Repetition...Attention, conversation start..I can tell them I´ve worked internationally (which I have). Eagerness to tour my webside. It´s just different.
If you have a european background, maybe you could use the same:
Zimmerleute (german for carpenters - either sex)
Charpentier (french, singular), charpentiers (plural)
Carpentiere (italian, singular), carpentieri (plural).
Of course a personal name on the card...I include cell-phone number too...The hallmark of a slave.
Got my company name on sew-on labels on everybody working for me. What I don´t like is your custom of having a sew-on label with the first name of the worker on the uniform like: Mitch or Hi I´m Peter. It means less respect from clients to my guys..Ey,Mitch! And a hesitance of some clients to talk to them at all. In Germany the name is given on demand, after asking or being introduced - a nice social way of differentiating.
Also I don´t like pretty pictures (portraits) on business cards, (saw that mostly on realtor cards in the US - when shopping for a house in MA.) in Europe that means: Yeah, please kick me. In Arabic countries it would mean: Here´s my soul - I will suck c### to do business. Of course we are all hookers aren´t we.
In my brotherhood of carpenters we do not build military facilities or jails...but everything else for a buck.
Fine Jung cannibals. http://www.raulfcarpenters.com
Edited 10/27/2003 4:32:56 AM ET by Matt
Why not Blue Hound Builders?
Great opportunity for logo and recognizability.
Its hard to make a logo with a name look catchy.
Use your name, don't use your name, what will make the difference is integrity in your workmanship and business practices.
I chose something other than my name for a myriad of reasons, and have often wondered what the difference would have been. Alot of times people don't know what the company name is until I stick my sign in their yard, I think.
I think the most important thing you can do is pick a name that you are comfortable with because hopefully you will be living with it a long time.
Might want to read the bankruptcy filings for your area, you'll find out what didn't work;-) I seem to recall alot of "abc", "a-z", "xyz"'s etc.
Keep it simple, descriptive but not exclusive, and plaster it on everything you own.
Tom
I'm here to help the humans.
I think Boss might be onto something there. "Jung Trim" has a certain ring to it.
I just returned from Aberdeen, SD. Pheasant hunting was phenomenal as usual!
Good Luck
Mark
Jung, dumb and full of #####
:)Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!
My day job is marketing consulting, so I'll weigh in here.
Your actual brand name is much less important than what meaning it takes on among your customers after using your services (Kodak is meaningless by itself, but has come to take on memorability and meaning over the years.).
That said, you have to name it something, so try make it memorable (Apple Computers stood out among tech companies.) Using your own name is also a solid idea in the a personal service industry.
Try asking 10 customers what they look for in a builder. In their descriptions, you will likely find words that help you think about the name. I have used a flooring guy who is meticulous, and he always complains about what a perfectionist he is (as if it is a burden)...Guess what. I think of him as a perfectionist now and use him for all my tile work, and recommend him to others as a "perfectionist."
An important step is to test for negatives. Remember the Chevy Nova. It was introduced in Mexico where NoVa means no go. Don't pick a name with ambiguous pronunciation, bad double meanings or names that could be easily turned into a negative.
One consideration is alphabetical order, so it appears high up in directories (e.g., yellow pages) ... if you want that kind of business.
Look at my company's website. In the "publications" section, we have a few papers on branding that might be of interest.
http://www.foxandcompany.com/
One sad reality.... companies agonize over what to name a business or product, but then they neglect the name they ultimately choose.
GOOD LUCK
GM has done it again with the dumb names thing. Apparently, after 36 months of market research came up with the name LaCrosse for a new Buick, it turns out that the name is the slang for self-gratification in Quebec. Personally, I think they should keep it - the fogies who drive Buicks aren't much into slang, and if young people are attracted to the car, the name would actually be a plus.
It makes perfect sense to me. If you've got enough money to purchase a new car, you are gratifying yourself <g,d,r> and like you said, it could end up being a hip thing to purchase, especially in Quebec.This jobless recovery has done more to promote the consumption of exquisite chocolate than the finest chocolatier. Cost be damned.
Cassion drilling company, "Your Hole is our Goal"
Ironic, RICKGREG, I'm a big fan of both Jeff Fox books; How to Become a Rainmaker & How to Become a Marketing Superstar. I read How to Become a Rainmaker quite a while ago and listen to the tape of it often on long drives. Right after finishing How to Become a Marketing Superstar this past summer I went to look for a tape of it in my local bookstores that I could listen while driving up to my brothers place. I couldn't find one in there so I listened to Rainmaker again. Had I known what I know now following your link I would have stopped in and picked one up from the source for the drive back since he's in Avon CT and your only a short way up the road from him.
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Jerrald- Small world! I'm not sure the audio of Superstar had hit the stores yet when you were looking. The audio books lag behind the publication of the books by a few months.
I'm currently co-writing a book with Jeff on the Dollarization concept introduced in Rainmaker. Jeff also has a new one due out in May that focuses on small businesses.
If you get up this way again, definitely stop in and I'll get you an autographed set for your library.
-Rick
Bad company name
Sinus sound construction
COME BLOW YOUR GREEN ON US :)